"I was talked into auditioning for The Voice," Martinez, 26, told Us Weekly during a May 16 visit to our NYC offices. "I tried out for American Idol and could have gone through, but I just didn't like the reality TV show [aspect of Idol]. I don't like how they twist things sometimes. We were called to audition [for The Voice] and [producers] told me 'if you don't like it, go home,' and I've had the best experience."

With the blind auditions and battle rounds behind her, Martinez is excited to progress to the live rounds under the direction of "F--k You" singer Cee Lo Green.

"Cee Lo has just been saying all the right things," Martinez tells Us. "He says 'sing from your heart and make this song your own.' Things that keep me that much more comfortable around him. He's doing music for the right reasons."